@jobeard
If i may offer some info to help clarify chkdsk vs testdisk tools/functionality
1) Testdisk is also a Windows tool. (It runs under both Linux and Windows)
2) Chkdsk and testdisk have very different functionality and are used for different purposes
> Chkdsk is only for basic filesystem repair
> Testdisk is used for data recovery
Chkdsk doesn't attempt data recovery nor will it work at all if Windows doesn't recognize a filesystem on the hard drive (i.e. the filesystem is "raw" in Windows terminology)
@pecaspickles
As to your original problem (in your your first thread
Help with WD 500gb external hdd ), I don't have a simple or easy answer for you. I provide some more info below. Maybe someone else has additional info/experience to provide they could also post
1. The best way to protect what you have at this point is to first create a "sector-by-sector" disk clone of your drive. This gives you the option that no matter what you do/try during data recovery, you can still get back to the current "as-is" image of your disk drive so you can try again or do something different for recovery if you want starting back at the current drive image
> You can use freeware
EASUS Disk Copy
> But this will also require another large backup space to hold the "cloned" copy
2. As for TestDisk:
> I haven't used this tool much myself. But i've read in forums of many who've used it with reasonable success.
> As for it writing a boot record: Your data isn't stored in the boot record. So as far as i know this would be TestDisk's attempt to restore a working hard drive (which includes having a good boot record). And it shouldn't impact your data.. but, again, to be 100% safe about things, you're best to first have a backup clone of the drive in any case
3. As you mention lots of photos/pics you want to recover, I'll also mention freeware tool:
PhotoRec that focuses on recovering exactly those types of files. It may be worth trying as well
/* Edit */
You might also bite the bullet and buy Partition Table Doctor if the $$ seem worth the effort for you. I have seen people post good results using it though not 100% of the time. Creating a clone backup first, if possible, is still a good idea if you can